Sunday, January 1

New Year's Walk

The wind was picking up and drops falling, and I cozy by the wood stove, when he, who is the papa, suggested a walk through the fields. It is New Year's Day.I do not know what to write. I certainly have nothing eloquent on my lips regarding the calendar change. When I think of the year past, I recall a lot of difficult times. I also fondly remember the good. All in all, it was a year of uncomfortableness and stretching.I am glad to see it gone.In the past I've made wordy lists of resolutions, or sometimes chosen a significant word to mark hopes for the coming days and seasons. Thinking this year and spending many heart moments during the day asking of God, these are the scriptures I feel He intends for me to hold to this year. I know you, my readers, come from all faiths and all paths, but I hope they will tug at your heart too."The Lord is my portion and share, says my living being:

therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him."

Lamentations 3:24"For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope."

Romans 15:4

"...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

Philippians 2:12-13

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;

but one thing I do:

forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained." Philippians 3:12-15

"...I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service...

I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me."